Minutes:
a) Review of Adult Day Care Services in Leeds (Minute No. 48 refers)
Further to Minute No. 48, 7th October 2009, the Director of Adult Social Services confirmed that, at its meeting on 4th November 2009, the Executive Board had approved the proposals contained in her report without change.
Members requested that, when finalised, a copy of the implementation plan be circulated to all Board Members.
Ongoing concern was expressed regarding a number of issues:-
· The unsatisfactory nature of the consultation exercise. The Department had already acknowledged that it could have been organised better in respect of Area Committee meetings, and re-stated the comprehensive nature of the meetings, visits and process which had been followed. Members requested that they be supplied with details of any corporate guidelines and procedural advice on large consultation exercises;
· The fact that the Holbeck Day Centre was still to close under the approved proposals and the need to quickly address the issue of possible future uses for the building. It was reported that a specific working group had been established for this purpose, comprising the Executive Member (Adult Health and Social Care), Councillor Gabriel and relevant Council officers. Councillor Gabriel would also discuss the matter at her imminent, scheduled meeting with John England, Deputy Director (Partnership and Operational Effectiveness);
· The above initiative only addressed the future of the Holbeck Day Centre, but and other areas of the City affected by the proposals, such as Bramley, Armley and Woodhouse, were worthy of similar consideration. Although the Doreen Hamilton and Naburn Court Centres were now to remain open, this was only for 3 sessions per week at each centre and concerns remained about if, and how, the gaps could be met by local churches or local organisations and Neighbourhood Networks, many of which were already overstretched
The Department confirmed that it would be willing to meet with other Local Members if required, and that a meeting with Bramley Members had already been arranged;
· Staff and trade unions had also expressed concerns regarding the staffing changes and redeployments which would be necessary to implement the changes;
The Director of Adult Social Services responded that a day centre staffing review was due prior to these latest proposals. A meeting was already scheduled with the trade unions, on 17th November 2009. Staff had been kept fully informed of developments. Any proposed changes would be dealt with via the Council’s managing workforce change process.
The Chair concluded the discussion by stating that although there remained some issues still to resolve, the exercise had proved that the Council was willing to consult and listen to people’s views and concerns, and to adapt its original proposals accordingly.
RESOLVED –
a) That the latest situation be noted and the Board be kept appraised as the approved proposals are implemented.
b) That, in this regard, Members be provided with a copy of the implementation plan when it is finalised.
c) That Members also be circulated with details of the corporate consultation guidelines and procedural advice.